- The Ministry of Commerce and Industry released its data on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI). According to the ministry’s data, the provisional Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation has hit a five-month high of 12.5% in October 2021, as against 66% in September. This increase was attributed to increasing in fuel and manufacturing prices. The report said the benchmark inflation print has remained in double digits for seven consecutive months.
- Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai are among the top ten most polluted cities in the world, according to data from the Switzerland-based climate group IQ Air’s Air Quality and Pollution City Tracking Service. Delhi tops with an AQI of 556, followed by Kolkata and Mumbai with an AQI of 177 and 169, at the fourth and sixth positions respectively. The cities with the worst AQI index include Lahore in Pakistan and Chengdu in China.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 341 km long Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. The expressway connects the state capital Lucknow with Ghazipur and has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 22,500 crore. PM Modi landed at Purvanchal Expressway airstrip in a military transport aircraft. The major feature of the expressway is the 3.2 km long runway for landing and take-off of fighter jets of the Indian Air Force in case of emergency.
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- India successfully launched the 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica on November 15, 2021. The first batch of 23 scientists and support staff has reached the Indian Antarctic station Maitri. Four more batches will land in Antarctica by mid-January 2022. The Indian Antarctic Program began in 1981 and has completed 40 scientific expeditions. The team of 48 members in the 41st Expedition is led by Dr. Shailendra Saini, who is a Scientist at National Center for Polar and Ocean Research. At present, there are three permanent research base stations in Antarctica, namely Dakshin Gangotri (1983), Maitri (1988) and Bharati (2012).
- The central government of India promulgated two ordinances to extend the tenure of directors of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by five years. Presently, the Directors of CBI and ED are appointed by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Act, 2003 for a two-year term in office. “While Parliament is not in session and the President is satisfied that circumstances exist which are necessary for him to take immediate action,” the order said. President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to the ordinance and the central government is expected to introduce a law in Parliament to replace it. As per the new ordinance, the directors of CBI or ED can now be appointed for a period of two years first, and later if necessary, the tenure can be extended for three more years. But that would require three separate annual extensions. However, no extension of service can be given to the ED or the CBI chief after five years.
- The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to declare 15 November as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. November 15 has been chosen because this date is the birth anniversary of Shri Birsa Munda, who is revered as a God by tribal communities across the country. This Day is dedicated to the brave tribal freedom fighters and their sacrifices for the country. The day will be observed every year from now onwards to recognize the efforts of the tribals in preserving the cultural heritage and promoting the Indian values of valor, hospitality and national pride.
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- The Kartarpur Corridor between India and Pakistan reopened on Wednesday after 611 days. On the first day, Indian pilgrims passing through the corridor were welcomed by the Pakistani authorities and the Pakistan Gurdwara Management Committee. The pilgrims who arrived on the opening of the corridor again were greeted with showering flowers. Whereas in Gurdwara Sahib, dates and sweet rice are being given to the sangat as prasad.
- The country has achieved another major achievement in the vaccination campaign against the corona pandemic. This is the first time that the number of fully vaccinated people has exceeded those who have received a single dose. According to the data of Cowin Dashboard, more than 113 crore doses of corona vaccine have been administered so far.
- The Karnataka government on Tuesday announced the award of Karnataka Ratna award posthumously to late actor Puneeth Rajkumar. Puneet will be the 10th person to receive this state’s highest civilian honour. The last time in 2009, Dr. Virendra Hegde was given this award for social service. Puneet Rajkumar died of cardiac arrest on October 29 at the age of 46. Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai made this announcement during a tribute program ‘Puneeth Naamana’ organized by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. Puneeth, who ruled Kannada cinema, was the youngest of 5 children of Dr. Rajkumar. The Chief Minister said that after discussions with many people, I have decided to posthumously confer the Karnataka Ratna on Puneet Rajkumar.
- In view of the threat of China, the central government has started strengthening the air force. The lightest indigenous attack helicopter is being handed over to the Air Force. It has been made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hand it over to the Air Force on November 19 in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. Apart from this, drones and advanced electronic warfare suits will also be given to the army.